Trump signals possible tariff reduction as loyalist Sergio Gor takes role as U.S. Ambassador to India

U.S. President Donald Trump welcomed Sergio Gor to his new role as U.S. Ambassador to India during a swearing-in ceremony at the White House on Nov. 10, 2025. Gor, a longtime Trump ally who previously served as Assistant to the President and Director of Presidential Personnel, has also been appointed Special Envoy to South and Central Asia. His arrival in New Delhi comes at a sensitive moment in U.S.-India relations, as ongoing disputes over trade and India’s continued imports of Russian oil have strained the strategic partnership.

During the ceremony, Trump signaled that tariffs on Indian exports could soon be reduced, suggesting progress toward resolving trade tensions. He linked the potential tariff cuts to what he described as a decline in India’s purchases of Russian crude. However, recent data from market research firm Kpler indicates that India’s Russian oil imports remained steady in October at around 1.59 million barrels per day, showing little change from the previous month.

Trump said Gor’s focus will be on boosting U.S. investment opportunities, expanding American energy exports, and strengthening security cooperation with India. Gor’s nomination was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on Oct. 7, and shortly afterward he met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss defense ties, trade, technology collaboration, and access to critical minerals. Analysts note that Gor’s appointment reflects the White House’s preference for direct, politically aligned diplomacy over traditional bureaucratic channels. Alexandra Hermann of Oxford Economics said this approach may accelerate discussions on a trade deal but could also make the relationship more vulnerable to political tensions.

In recent months, U.S.–India relations have been strained by steep tariffs, increased visa fees, and Trump’s public claims of mediation between India and Pakistan. Former Reserve Bank of India governor Raghuram Rajan has warned that such policies could push India closer to alternative partners, pointing to historical precedent from the 1970s. Following the imposition of 50% U.S. tariffs on Indian exports in August, Modi appeared publicly with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin at a Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit, signaling a potential geopolitical shift. India has continued to deepen certain economic ties with Russia, including increasing participation in trade fairs and engineering exports. However, experts note that while Russia remains a significant supplier of crude oil, it is still a limited trade partner compared with the United States. In fiscal 2025, the U.S. accounted for 18% of India’s exports, compared with just 1% destined for Russia.